The Emergence of Mojave Max

We’re sure you’ve heard about Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvania, but did you know Nevada has its own unique way of signaling the arrival of spring in the desert? His name is Mojave Max!

Mojave Max, a tortoise residing at the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, acts as a local mascot for the desert tortoise conservation program.

Katrina Smith, the Senior Zoologist at the preserve, explains that Mojave Max's emergence is rooted in biology rather than folklore. Unlike a rodent seeing its shadow, which holds no real significance, the emergence of a desert tortoise is a biological event. For Max, the temperature inside his burrow must reach a certain threshold before he becomes active.

This signals the warming weather, the blooming of flowers, and the increase in wildlife activity. When he emerges, it marks the official arrival of spring!

Over the past two years, Max has emerged in late March, and his return has become a highly anticipated event. For over 25 years, local elementary students have been participating in the Mojave Max Emergence Contest, guessing the date of his big appearance.

Mojave Max's emergence serves as a reminder that spring in the desert is not just a season, but a living, breathing change in the environment that calls for our attention and care!